Belted Galloways are a naturally hardy breed that originated on the exposed uplands of Galloway, in South West Scotland. They are well suited to poor pasture as is often found in Australia.
The Belted Galloway features a wide white stripe around its midriff, and is often affectionately referred to as a ‘Beltie’.
The exact origin of the breed is unclear although it is often surmised that the white belt that distinguishes these cattle from the native black Galloway cattle may be as a result of cross breeding with Dutch Lakenvelder belted cattle. Belted Galloways are often smaller than Galloways, and often have more of a dairy or aesthetic focus than Galloways.
The Galloway is one of the world's longest established breeds of beef cattle.
The Galloway is naturally hornless. Their shaggy coat has both a thick, woolly undercoat for warmth and stiffer guard hairs that help shed water, making them well adapted to harsher climates.
The Galloway breed comes from the cattle native to an entire region of Scotland, and originally there was much variation within this breed, including many different colours and patterns.
There are several varieties of the Galloway maintained as consistent strains or breeds.